Winter Fun

A few snapshots from the end of December.

A Very Merry Christmas

Once again, Brian and I were up and eagerly waiting for the kids to awake. Those sleepyheads snoozed until 8:00.

Daniel got a new soft-top surfboard from Santa Claus.

Kendall showing off her new purse. It came complete with cell phone, debit card, keys, and all sorts of other goodies.

The whole family gets new pajamas on Christmas Eve. This year Jeff and Brian got to be twins!

Kendall was super excited to get her own pretty pink tricycle. Next up: growing big enough to reach the pedals!

These toddlers know how to live in luxury.

The best presents given were the ones Daniel gave. My mom took him to the 99 cent store so he could choose gifts for the family with the money he had saved from recycling. Daniel thoughtfully selected and carefully wrapped each gift. I think he was hinting that Grandpa needed a shave because he chose shaving cream for him.

A fun gift Daniel received was a digital camera especially for kids from Grandma and Grandpa. He played paparazzi and took over 300 photos.

Kendall and Auntie were coordinated in polka-dot pj's.

Check out these adorable cousins.

After presents, Daniel and Brian headed off for the traditional Christmas beach visit while Kendall napped and I recycled the heaps of boxes and bows. I can't get over how much Daniel resembles his daddy in this photo.

Later that evening, we got gussied up for Christmas dinner. And by "we" I mean everyone but Daniel. He refused to wear the cute plaid shirt and tie that matched Kendall's dress.

And then I forgot to attempt to take a family photo of the four of us. But this blurry one I took of Brian and Kendall sure is adorable.

Back in the groove of December

After a week of many tissues, Tylenol, and hot tea, we are finally on the road to health and enjoying the Christmas season.

I love these two and always want to remember this time.

We baked and decorated Christmas cookies to give to our neighbors.

Our finished cookies. The kids went to town with the sprinkles!

Kendall enjoying her first Christmas cookie. She was a big fan.

The rainy weather was perfect for a daytime fire.

We celebrated an early Christmas at the Switzer's. Daniel got a ship that he claimed was "the best and only present he's ever wanted in his whole life!" Granny and Gramps sure picked out a good gift. Even Kendall let out a squeal of excitement when Daniel tore off the wrapping paper.

 

 

Trees, Trains and Santa

The beginning of December was filled with lots of fun for the kids.

Daniel went bowling for the first time with a bunch of friends from school. Daniel has been extremely excited for the Christmas season. He has been wearing his Santa hat, singing Christmas carols, decorating gingerbread houses...

 Here he is diligently working on his "Cat in the Hat" Christmas activity book.

Brian and the kids reading the devotion for our Jesse Tree.

We got a beautiful tree from Costco. The tree was big and shaped perfectly- we'd expect nothing less from Costco!!

The kids decorated their own mini tree,

and could hardly wait for me to put on the lights so they could start decorating our tree.

Each Christmas, the kids get their own special ornament. This year, Kendall got a "Monster's, Inc."  ornament with Sully and Boo. We thought it was perfect since everyone always says she looks like Boo when she wears pigtails and it has become her nickname too!

Examining their hard work.

We attended Grandpa's department party at UCSB.

Daniel had a great time passing out (and eating) candy canes with Grandpa...

while Kendall had fun playing with her buddy August.

The kids with Santa and Mrs. Claus, a.k.a Grandpa and Grandma.

We had a fun playdate with the Damron's and Rosemberg's at the park.

Checking out the annual Christmas train display at the library.

Enjoying a cozy fire on a December evening.

Then we got sick. All four of us. With super bad colds. We all felt miserable. But we are finally on the mend and looking forward to a healthy and happy Christmas!

Thanksgiving 2012

Happy Thanksgiving! We started off our day by running in the Thanksgiving 4-miler. It was our first time participating in this race and it was fun to see a lot of friends home for the holiday.

Daniel and Kendall re-hydrating after their four mile jogging stroller adventure.

I was especially thankful for my brother-in-law because he pushed the double jogger for me the entire four miles! Thank you, Jeff!

Longtime friends Amy and Emily.

We hosted Thanksgiving later that evening at our house. We love filling our house up with yummy food and family.

Kendall and her Auntie Val. Kendall was especially attached to her auntie during this visit.

Uncle Randy's delicious turkey.

Someone snuck a slice of pie!

The feast. Turkey, gravy, Auntie Mary's family stuffing, roasted roots, corn casserole, hot rolls, cranberry relish (both homemade and canned shaped for Brian) and roasted cauliflower. Everything was consumed without guilt thanks to partaking in the 4 mile run that morning.

Love this family!

Cousins watching holiday specials on the couch post-dinner.